The Salvation Army benefits from renovations to help bring people back to public spaces safely

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for local economies to thrive

August 26, 2022 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced an investment of $352,805 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for The Governing Council of The Salvation Army of Canada, operating in Halifax as The Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow the Salvation Army to make extensive renovations to its Gesner Street location in Fairview. Upgrades include installing new floors, lighting, heat pumps and doors, painting interior walls, purchasing audio-visual equipment and laptops, and upgrading the kitchen. These improvements will increase accessibility, energy efficiency, and comfort for year-round use, ensuring that the non-profit organization’s services can be safely accessed by more community members. It will also allow the location to expand its programming to offer English as a Second Language (ESL) training and senior’s services.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared spaces like the Salvation Army in Halifax helps support community vitality, creates jobs, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

-       The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Salvation Army in Fairview is a community hub that brings together several neighbourhood groups to offer a range of activities and services. The location on Gesner Street provides public spaces that community organizations use for their own programs, and those spaces need upgrades. This funding from the Government of Canada will allow the Salvation Army to perform necessary improvements so that these programs can thrive for many years to come.”

-       The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“The Salvation Army is very grateful for the support from the Government of Canada. With this support, The Salvation Army in this Fairview location will be able to enhance and revitalize much-needed community family and youth focused services throughout Fairview and the surrounding area. This funding will help individuals and families in our area by creating improved community facilities with safe spaces enabling enhanced programs and support which focus on serving as a beacon of hope to those who need it most throughout our Halifax West community.”

-       Major Lorne Pritchett, Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church

Quick facts

  • The Salvation Army has been serving the people of Halifax and area for over 130 years. The Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church and ministries delivers a variety of charitable community programming including breakfast drop-in, mom and tot programs, immigrant assistance and food bank services.

  • In 2021 in Canada, the Salvation Army provided 5,500 shelter, addictions, detox and mental health beds for vulnerable men, women, and families in Canada, served 3.7 million meals at shelters and in-feeding programs and assisted 1.4 million persons with food, clothing or practical assistance.

  • The funding announced today is part of a larger project with the Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church and ministries to renovate two locations that serve communities in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

  • The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:

    • adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
    • building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

  • Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Gina Haggett
Director of Public Relations, Maritime Canada
The Salvation Army
902-455-1201
Gina.Haggett@SalvationArmy.ca

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